Teaching Students About Joe Deangelo
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In today’s world, it is important for students to learn about criminals and the justice system to understand the implications of such actions on society. One intriguing case is that of Joseph James DeAngelo, also known as the Golden State Killer. Educating young minds on this case will allow them to comprehend the complexities of criminal investigations and appreciate the long-lasting effects of these actions on victims’ lives.
Early Life and Background
Joe Deangelo was born on November 8, 1945, in New York. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War before returning to California, where he pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Following his graduation, Deangelo became a police officer, working in two Californian cities: Exeter and Auburn. Unfortunately, his service was short-lived as he was fired for shoplifting in 1979.
Crimes and Investigation
Deangelo’s crime spree began in the mid-1970s with a series of burglaries and progressed to brutal home invasions that involved ransacking residences, raping female victims, and eventually murdering over a dozen individuals. He was dubbed the Golden State Killer due to his prolific criminal activities throughout California.
Key discussion points when teaching students about Joe Deangelo’s crimes can include:
1. Understanding criminal profiling techniques used by law enforcement.
2. Studying advances in DNA evidence collection which ultimately led to his capture.
3.Configuring a timeline of events and investigating how different agencies collaborated to solve this case.
Capture and Sentencing
Joe Deangelo managed to elude capture for over four decades until April 24, 2018, when investigators found a familial DNA match from publicly available genealogy databases. On June 29, 2020, he pleaded guilty to 13 counts of murder and numerous sexual assault charges, leading to multiple life sentences without the possibility of parole. Students can discuss the role of technology in solving cold cases and the ethics behind using genealogy databases.
Conclusion
Teaching students about Joe Deangelo provides an opportunity to engage them in discussions on various aspects of crime and justice. This case highlights the importance of advances in technology, collaboration between agencies, and persistence in solving crimes. Additionally, discussing the profound impact on victims helps students understand the human side of these events and nurturers empathy within them. Ultimately, this lesson serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the long-lasting consequences that criminal actions have on society and individuals.